With the government pumping millions of dollars into the green industry with the aim of creating 5 million new green-collar jobs over 10 years, green jobs definitely have a future. The US overdependence on fossil fuels, which are large contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, can no longer be disputed and neither can the need for a reliable, clean-energy infrastructure. But what are green jobs? Are they low-paying jobs? How do you study or train for one? Read on to find out more about green jobs.

What’s A Green Job?

In spite of some arguing about what a green job exactly is, it is clear that white-collar jobs and blue collar-jobs can both become green-collar jobs, as long as they contribute to preserving or restoring environmental quality. A green job can be performed in many different economic sectors: agricultural, manufacturing, research and development (R&D), administrative, and service activities. In other words, a green job needs to directly reduce pollution, waste and  benefit the environment.  Also, an existing, traditional non green job such as administrative assistant can become one with proper training or courses.

Where Are They?

Geographically speaking, across the country, not just in the bigger cities.  Also, since they can’t typically be outsourced, the majority of green jobs are local: building energy-efficient structures, rewiring the electricity grid and installing wind turbines and solar panels all necessitate on-site work.
Economically speaking, since the government is investing in a clean-energy economy, new demand for labor in the construction and manufacturing sectors will obviously grow. Also, as expanding public green space is part of a clean-energy economy, more jobs in the urban greening sector will be created, too. In fact, almost all sectors are impacted.

Lastly, green jobs are not just government-subsidized jobs. Both public and private investments spur new, green labor.

How Much Do They Pay?

Since green jobs encompass blue-collar and white-collar jobs, the salary spectrum is wide. Green jobs are created at every step in the pay scale and across every skill level.

How To Get A Green Job?

It depends on the area and focus sought as well as whether one is currently enrolled in a degree, is a recent graduate or is looking for a new career opportunity. Taking courses in environmental sciences, practices, and laws is one way to become more knowledgeable in green related issues. Check your local university and/or community college for courses in sustainability and environmental issues. Also, seminars prepared by eco-minded organizations and companies will open doors.  Finally, keep in mind that training can usually be obtained in situ.

There are many ways to find out about green jobs and the type of qualifications required. A good place to start is greencareersguide.com, that lists useful career resources and guidance articles. Another is to listen to the short weekly audio podcast called Green Jobcast available every Thursday. A production of JobRadio.FM, the Green Jobcast covers new job opportunities across the US and is also available on iTunes.

For general green job listings, visit Environmental Career Center and Environmental Career Opportunities, as well as GreenJobsNetwork.

For sustainable business job listings, go to GreenDreamJobs.

For job listings in the renewable energy sectors, visit GreenEnergyJobs and GreenJobs.

On the non-profit side, visit NonProfitOyster and OpportunityKnocks; they don’t specialize in green matters but have a very powerful job searching database.

You can of course use the regular meta search sites SimplyHired, Indeed and LinkUp, but the success of your search will depend on the choice of your keywords.

Is It In Your Heart?

No matter what job or career you choose, it should be one you like and have a real interest in. You shouldn’t go in it because it’s trendy or pays well. Having a green job is more than just a job; it is a state of mind and a quality of the heart that place the environment at the highest priority.